Offensive Player
Gunner Stockton – For the week leading up to the Tennessee game, it was “Gunner Who?” and now after the Tennessee game, it’s “Gunner wow!” The junior quarterback from Tiger, Georgia was every bit of the five star quarterback coming out of high school last Saturday in Knoxville. Gunner performed like a seasoned veteran going 23-of-31 for 304 yards and two touchdown passes along with another TD on the ground. Gunner worked with nine different receivers to orchestrate touchdown drives throughout the game and answer Tennessee’s offensive attack. In the end, Gunner was the perfect leader on offense that enabled Georgia to reach pay dirt in overtime, sealing the victory and making it nine straight over the Tennessee Volunteers. It’s also five straight in one of the most intimidating places to play in all of college football, Neyland Stadium. Don’t question if Gunner is ready for the big games because he proved it in a big way that victorious Saturday in Knoxville.
Defensive Player
Chris Cole – The sophomore linebacker from Salem, Virginia certainly made his presence known in Knoxville. The 6’3” 235-pound linebacker was literally all over the field last Saturday in pursuit of the ugliest orange uniforms ever. Whether it was in the backfield of the defense or in the backfield of the Tennessee offense, Chris’ play was nothing short of spectacular. Chris recorded seven tackles, two solo tackles, one sack, one tackle for loss and one pass deflection that was key in the victory over the Volunteers. As Georgia blazes through the recruiting trail each year, they keep getting linebackers that are developing into next-level linebackers, which are fast, smart and effective. Chris is yet another great linebacker in a classroom full of qualified linebackers to make a difference in SEC play. Great job Chris, nothing like beating the Volunteers in their home, extending the win streak to, as Mr. Rooney would say, ”Nine Times” in a row.
Special team Player
Peyton Woodring – The junior from Lafayette, Louisiana continued his remarkable performance with yet another perfect day Saturday in the big orange toilet. In a game when we saw a kicker decide the fate of the Volunteers, Georgia fans can be confident that Peyton would never put Georgia in that situation. Entering his third year, Peyton is an amazing 46-of-52 on field goal attempts with four of those misses coming in his first year. His consistency creates a great confidence for the offense to produce points no matter where they’re at on the field. When an offensive line knows that a couple of extra yards can turn into three points. They find the energy and the focus to get into that golden toe zone. As Georgia dives deeper into the SEC gauntlet, Peyton will be the difference in many of these games with his consistency and professionalism on the field. Boy, do I love kickers! And Peyton is at the top of my list!
Unsung Hero of the Game
Well, I’m gonna go right back to the special team play of the University of Georgia. The Unsung Hero this week was Beau Gardner. The 6’5” 250-pound senior out of San Francisco, California continues to be the unknown star. The best part of that is he is doing a perfect job. When snappers do a perfect job you don’t hear from them. As we saw in the Notre Dame game, special teams and their performance, no matter how little or big it might be, can change a game in a single snap, hold or missed kick. Beau ensures that the process starts out perfect with a perfect snap every time. Gardner is also a tremendous covering center getting downhill and neutralizing any return that an opponent might have. Beau is on the watchlist for the Patrick Mannelly Award, and he certainly should be. He is simply one of the best.